Marriage records in Dare County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. DareCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the Dare County Register of Deeds — the office that issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records under North Carolina law — directly. Records may be requested in person at the county office, by mail, or through the state's online vital records ordering system. The North Carolina Vital Records office also maintains statewide marriage records dating back to 1962.
Dare County Marriage Records Search
In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and recording marriage certificates. The Dare County Register of Deeds maintains all marriage licenses issued in the county, along with returned marriage certificates filed after ceremonies are performed. Historical marriage records for Dare County may date back to the county's earliest records, though older documents can vary in completeness.
The office's collection includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Issued marriage licenses
- Filed marriage certificates (returned after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records on file with the county
For statewide searches or marriages recorded in other North Carolina counties, you can contact the North Carolina Vital Records office, which holds marriage records from 1962 to the present. The Dare County court system may also hold records related to marriage-related legal proceedings.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dare County
Fees for marriage record copies from the Dare County Register of Deeds are set by North Carolina General Statute § 161-10. The state vital records office charges its own fees for copies ordered through its system.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (county Register of Deeds) | $10.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy (NC Vital Records office) | $24.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order via state) | $15.00 |
Processing times at the county office are typically same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests usually take one to two weeks. Orders placed through the state vital records office may take several weeks depending on volume and shipping method selected.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dare County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Dare County:
Online
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services operates an online ordering portal for vital records including marriage certificates. This system covers marriages recorded statewide from 1962 forward. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. A valid photo ID and payment are required.
In Person
Visit the Dare County Register of Deeds at the address listed above during regular business hours. Walk-in requests are accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can typically process your request while you wait.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the county, send the following to the Register of Deeds:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the date of marriage
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $10.00 per copy, payable to the Dare County Register of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You can also mail requests to the state office for marriages from 1962 onward:
If you need to request a public record related to a marriage proceeding through the court system, the North Carolina Judicial Branch provides options for submitting requests online, by mail, or in person. You can also review Dare County local rules and forms for any county-specific filing requirements.
For questions about which office holds the record you need, contact the Dare County Register of Deeds by phone at (252) 475-5970 or check DareCourt.us for additional guidance on locating publicly available records.